The reductions were highest in the northernmost labor markets as hiring began for the summer tourism season.

Nationwide, the unemployment rate is at 7.7 percent - and eight of Michigan’s major metropolitan regions are at or below that level.

The five Michigan counties with the lowest unemployment are:

Washtenaw, 5 percent

Clinton, 5.4 percent

Barry, 5.8 percent

Eaton, 6.0 percent

Isabella, 6.1 percent

The five Michigan counties with the highest unemployment are:

Baraga, 16.3 percent

Montmorency, 15.3 percent

Presque Isle, 15.1 percent

Mackinac, 14.1 percent

Oscoda, 13.9 percent

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Comments

UlyssesWrong1

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.

I hate sarcasm, but the Ann Arbor area has the lowest unemployment rate in Michigan? Wow I never would have guessed.
I always assumed this without seeing the numbers, but still it's a great statistic for our area I suppose.
Perhaps everyone who can't get work in Ann Arbor simply up-and-left and boosted the numbers.
I would like to see more improvement nation wide for the bunches of unemployed people though. With all the requirements employers ask these days I can see how we've created chunks of the population that are unemployed and unemployable for most decent paying jobs.

janejane

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.

After numerous layoffs and job losses at age 63, I give up! Ann Arbor might show this &quot;improved&quot; statistic for the mid-life to younger worker, but the senior work force is sorely underemployed. Thanks for all the &quot;jobs&quot;...I only have this to say, &quot;B.S.&quot;!

Ricebrnr

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.

OK I'll bite.
If our unemployment rate is so low...what's the excuse for not having a job again?

Forever27

Fri, May 25, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.

Where are all the haters who troll the boards when something like this comes out? Cat got your tongue?